The New South Wales Government has revealed plans for a major redevelopment of Wollongong’s sports and entertainment facilities, committing $17 million to progress the next stage of planning. Central to the project is a new WIN Arena, which will nearly double the existing capacity from 5,300 to 9,500, located within walking distance of Wollongong’s beaches and central business district.
The broader precinct will include an upgraded WIN Stadium, featuring a new northern grandstand and a reconfigured southern stand, alongside improved player changerooms. Officials say these enhancements aim to support the growth of both men’s and women’s sport in the region and across NSW.
Once complete, the precinct is expected to host up to 150 events annually and generate roughly $550 million in additional economic activity for the local community. Plans also include a beach-side complex with a café, kiosk, toilets, and multi-purpose spaces suitable for functions and events year-round.
Game-day experiences for St George Illawarra Dragons matches and other major events will be enhanced with modernised scoreboards, ribbon boards, sports lighting, and stadium sound systems. Both WIN Arena and WIN Stadium will see improvements to food, beverage, and merchandise outlets, corporate areas and function rooms, and sitewide accessibility, including new entry gates and wheelchair access to the redeveloped hill area.
During construction, more than 600 full-time jobs will be supported, with up to 1,100 roles created over the life of the project.
Premier Chris Minns said Wollongong’s growing population and economic potential made it a key focus for the government. “By nearly doubling the capacity of WIN Arena and upgrading WIN Stadium, we’re creating a venue capable of hosting up to 150 events a year. That means more concerts, more sporting events and more reasons for people to visit, stay longer and spend locally,” he said.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park described the project as a “game-changing announcement” for the region. “The new world-class precinct will transform Wollongong into a global sporting and entertainment destination, attracting more tourism and investment to the already thriving region,” he said.
Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, said the redevelopment would help elevate Wollongong’s events and visitor economy. “Expanding WIN Stadium, redeveloping the Entertainment Centre into WIN Arena and adding a new beachside complex turns this important part of Wollongong from a part-time venue into a full-time destination for sports, entertainment, functions and fun,” he said.
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper added: “A thriving sports and entertainment precinct in Wollongong will see more live events for the region, providing a boost for the local economy, tourism and jobs. This will be an iconic live entertainment site, set right on the foot of the beach. It’s time we realised its full potential.”
The redevelopment marks a clear investment in Wollongong’s infrastructure and economy, with officials emphasising the project’s potential to attract tourism, create jobs, and enhance the city’s appeal as a sporting and entertainment hub.
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